Get onto the tops
Photography in the mountains is often about capturing the grand landscape and sweeping vistas full of rugged peaks. The best place for this is from high vantage points or the top of a peak offering a view out over the horizon. You could also include some foreground to give the image some depth.
Head out at sunset
One great thing about being in the hills is the amazing warm light you get by being up high at sunset – try and make use of this to illuminate foreground subjects and the tops of distant peaks.
Composing the landscape
Avoid putting the horizon in the centre of the image as it can be a little boring. If you have some nice foreground, put the horizon higher to make more of this feature. On the other hand, if the sky is full of colour put your horizon lower to capture more of the sky.
Get a sharp shot
To get everything in focus from the foreground to peaks on the horizon, use a small aperture (f11-f22). If you are photographing in low light at the end of the day, you will need to use a tripod or select a higher ISO (400-800) to get a shutter speed fast enough for a sharp image.
– Richard Young is a Wellington-based photographer running photography workshops in Tongariro National Park
Photo Location: Armstrong Saddle, above Sunrise Hut, Ruahine Forest Park
Settings ISO 100, f11, 1/20 second
Enjoy unrestricted access to all content for just $4.50/month for 12 months
Subscribe now to a monthly website-only subscription for just $4.50/month (normally $6.50/month) for the first 12 months. You’ll receive instant access to all articles, trips, gear reviews and buyer’s guides, and get the Wilderness Wildcard, which offers discounts at more than 20 partners around New Zealand.
Just choose a monthly website-only subscription and use coupon code ‘4fifty’ to receive this special price.
Or view all our subscription options.
Already a subscriber? Login Now.
Discount applies to the first 12 monthly payments after which time the subscription price will revert to the current $6.50/month. Cancel your next payment at any time in your ‘My Account’ page. NZ subscribers only receive the WildCard.
